MEPs push for tougher 2030 energy targets

22 May, Brussels - The lead MEPs drafting the European Parliament’s position on the EU’s new energy governance proposals are pushing for binding national targets to be put in place for 2030.

The draft amendments show that the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Environment Committees will call for 2030 targets of 45% for renewable energy, and a 40% improvement in energy efficiency. Additionally, the draft report says the EU should be aiming for net zero domestic emissions by 2050.

The Commission’s original proposals included only non-binding targets of 27% for renewables, and energy efficiency improvements of 30%.

Although targets will be determined by revisions to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directives, these changes are being proposed to the regulation of Governance of the Energy Union, in an attempt to bring everything together under the Energy Union strategy.

ITRE, the lead committee, will vote to finalise its position in October.